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Shock as popular Geelong cafe closes its doors
Words: Olivia Shying Producer: Grace McKinnon
Popular North Geelong eatery Cafe Bear and Scoobs has closed following a challenging two years. Locals have reflected on the friendly staff and its signature award-winning treats.
Co-owners Mark Butcher and David Scoble announced on social media that the cafe had ceased trading and been placed into voluntary liquidation.
“
Co-owners Mark Butcher and David Scoble
We (can) genuinely say we loved every minute of the six years we had at Café Bear & Scoobs as hard and tough as it has been we made life long friends both customers and staff.
Mr Butcher garnered extensive community support in 2021 after posting to social media empathising with small businesses facing rolling Covid-19 lockdowns.
Delicious food, friendly staff, lovely atmosphere and great value.
Been here many times and never disappoints. The barista is very passionate about coffee and very friendly.
The cafe, which boasts a 4.5 star rating, is filled with rave food reviews and praise for staff.
Social media has been flooded with grief from past patrons of the cafe over the past six years.
Louse Wilson praised the delicious treats and “lovely environment”, while Desiree Boz mourned the loss of Geelong’s best vanilla slices.
The business was around $100,000 in debt due to loans taken out to survive, with business losses during the snap February 2021 lockdown adding up to more than $50,000.
In July, Mr Butcher told the Geelong Advertiser he had done all he could to adapt to the constant challenges endured during the pandemic, but said that snap lockdowns had been very challenging.
Cafe Bears & Scoobs was also offering crucial training opportunities to people with disabilities in partnership with Gateways Support Service.

Original URL: https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/web-stories/free/the-weekly-times/geelong-cafe-closes-its-doors-following-pandemic-struggle